Everyone would need a little help reaching their goals sometimes.
The Warrior Improvement Program, formerly known as the Fitness Improvement Program, at the Robins Air Force Base Fitness Center, aims to help Airmen prepare for their fitness assessment , while strengthening their core strength and cardiovascular fitness.
Patrick Stone, installation exercise physiologist with the 78th Force Support Squadron, said the program’s new name was chosen to reflect how Airmen should be viewed – as the “warriors” they are.
The WIP is a step in the process of building an aviator’s fitness level, Stone said.
“It is both a way to prepare for the fitness assessment and to develop core strength and cardiovascular fitness,†he said. “This will allow progression to more advanced training programs that we make available to all Airmen.”
Stone said the program, which takes place in the old base gymnasium in building 827 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 a.m., aims to accustom Airmen to how the fitness test works for optimal success. .
“The specificity of training is a big issue when developing a training program,†he said. “The concept behind WIP is to acclimate Airmen to the components of fitness assessment. It involves a concentration on Swedish gymnastics and it takes place on a repetitive schedule. Airmen perform well on the test and acquire the basic physical condition necessary to move on to the intermediate and advanced training that we offer in the Warrior Athlete program.
Additionally, the Robins Fitness Center is partnering with the 78th Medical Group to provide what Stone has called a “human performance center†for Airmen.
“Twice a week, all Airmen in the Warrior Improvement Program and the Warrior Athlete Program have access to the dietitian, the health promotion coordinator and a physiotherapist,†he said. These resources are invaluable to Airmen and will make a difference in their performance during training.
Stone said the program has helped Airmen achieve excellent fitness test scores.
“In the five years that I have run the program, we have had over 400 participants and a test success rate of over 99%, with almost 72% of those 99% excellent,†a- he declared. “The program is a success because of its simplicity and the effort of the airmen involved.”
While some Airmen are referred to the program by their leadership, Stone said most participants join the program on a voluntary basis.
“Signing up is pretty straightforward,†he said. “The airmen show up and start training. “
Stone said he and his fellow fitness center staff are available to help Airmen on their fitness journey.
“We are passionate about the success of the Airmen that we see in our training programs,†he said. “We are here to offer our resources to every member of the base. Do not wait. Come see me or see David Yann, Fitness Program Coordinator at the Fitness Center, as soon as possible and we will help you move in the right direction to achieve your fitness goals.
For more information on the Warrior Improvement Program, call the Robins Fitness Center at 478-926-2128.
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